Adrian Wojnarowski: Sixers Should Pursue J.J. Redick in Free Agency

The Sixers were awarded the third-overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft on Tuesday, but they're expected to be major players in free agency as well, and the league's most prominent reporter has linked the club to Clippers guard J.J. Redick.

Redick is going to be in "great demand" when the market opens on July 1, particularly among Eastern Conference teams, according to Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski. While the Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks could enter the chase for the 12-year veteran as well, Woj believes the most intriguing fit may be with the Sixers.

"(Redick is) their chance to maybe get that shooting and get a veteran who would be tremendous in that locker room, to help build a culture and environment, to put him alongside Ben Simmons," Wojnarowski said on Wednesday.

"They're going to have to pay. He's going to be in that $16-17 million-plus range as a free agent, but that's going to I think play into what Philadelphia does here at three."

Redick was a role player for eight seasons with the Orlando Magic before signing with the Clippers in 2013 and becoming a starter. He's been a consistent scorer for L.A., averaging 15.8 points per game in 28.9 minutes over four seasons, and leading the NBA in three-point shooting percentage in '15-16.

Outside shooting is an area where the Sixers are lacking. Nik Stauskas led the team with a 36.8 shooting percentage last season, followed by center Joel Embiid at 36.7 percent and Hollis Thompson -- waived in January -- at 36.6 percent. Redick shot 42.9 percent from downtown in '16-17.

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Redick has his limitations and turns 33 in June, but he certainly fits the bill as an outside shooter and veteran presence. With Simmons and Embiid drawing a lot of attention inside, Redick would see plenty of open looks, which he's proven capable of knocking down. In fact, the makeup of the Sixers' frontcourt is not entirely unlike the Clippers', which is probably why he seems like an obvious fit.

The money seems high, but that's the cost of doing business. And if the Sixers choose somebody like Kansas' Josh Jackson in the draft -- somebody whose shot needs work -- the need to add a sniper in the backcourt will only increase.

Redick isn't the type of player who is going create as much excitement as the third pick in the draft, but he certainly makes a lot of sense for the Sixers, even as currently constructed. Heavy competition for his services could be an issue, although this might be the best situation for Redick to succeed as well.

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